Fay McKenzie was an American actress known for her roles in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “The Party,” and “S.O.B.” Born into a family with a strong show business background, she began her acting career at a very young age.
Personal and Family Life
Fay McKenzie was born on February 19, 1918, in Hollywood, California, as Eunice Fay McKenzie. She had two sisters, one of whom, Ida Mae McKenzie, was also an actress. She was married to Steve Cochran for a brief period and later to Tom Waldman, with whom she had two children, Tom Jr. and Madora. Her family was deeply involved in the entertainment industry, with her parents being performers and her sister Ella McKenzie married to a comedian.
Career Highlights
McKenzie started her film career at just ten weeks old and became a familiar face in silent films as a child. Throughout her life, she appeared in numerous films and television shows, gaining popularity for her roles in Westerns and musicals. She is particularly remembered for her work alongside Gene Autry and her engaging performances in classic films and Broadway productions.
Death and Legacy
Fay McKenzie passed away peacefully on April 16, 2019, at the age of 101. Her legacy includes a long and varied career in film and television, with fans remembering her for her remarkable contributions to Hollywood. She received several accolades for her work and was honored with the Career Achievement Award at the Cinecon Classic Film Festival in 2012.
Filmography
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| S.O.B. | 1981 | Woman on the Beach (uncredited) |
| The Party | 1968 | Alice Clutterbuck |
| Experiment in Terror | 1962 | Hospital Superintendent (uncredited) |
| Bonanza | 1961 | Victoria Gates |
| Breakfast at Tiffany’s | 1961 | Party Guest Laughing in Mirror (uncredited) |
| Mr. Lucky | 1960 | Sheila Wells |
| Murder in the Music Hall | 1946 | Singer in Mom’s Cafe |
| Remember Pearl Harbor | 1942 | Marcia Porter |
| Home in Wyomin’ | 1942 | Clementine (Clem) Benson |